City logo may bear 'In God We Trust'

The Alamogordo City Commission might display "In God We Trust" in city commission chambers, following in the footsteps of Artesia, which approved the measure late last year.

The move would be part of a larger effort initiated by a California politician in the early 2000s. A proposed resolution up for a vote at Tuesday's commission meeting will, if it passes, "prominently display the motto of 'In God We Trust' in the Commission Chambers and possibly include on the City's logo," according to an agenda report released Friday.

"Whether we do or do not pass the measure, it will be a statement of the city's governing foundation and direction we take in service rendered to all," Mayor Susie Galea said. The proposed resolution's stated purpose, among others, is that placing the "patriotic motto in the Commission Chambers" is a way to "solemnize public occasions and express confidence in our society."

Galea said the potential cost of the change would be discussed at Tuesday's meeting, but added she didn't believe it would run more than $1,000.

She said a previous city manager wanted to spend $50,000 on a logo redesign.

"That cost is outrageous," she said. "The estimate so far for in-house redesign and logo change is $1,000."

According to its website, Bakersfield city council member Jacquie Sullivan began what would later become the "In God We Trust~America, Inc.

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" movement after hearing about a "small group on the East Coast that was protesting the words 'In God We Trust' that were posted on a public building."

The Bakersfield City Council voted to display the motto in council chambers in 2002 and the official "In God We Trust~America, Inc." organization began in 2004.

Materials provided by the organization indicate that about 300 communities across the United States have voted to include the motto, which was enacted by Congress in 1956 as the national motto. According to the organization's records, Artesia is the other town in New Mexico to make the change.

"As a governing body, we serve the people of God, and as we are reminded that we serve all of God's children in Alamogordo, we exercise humility in our service," Galea said. "A governing body that serves God would have us do, will promote the principles of freedom without undue regulations, taxes and restraints."

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